Remembering Fire Fighter Andrew Pontious: One Year Later

Tomorrow marks one year since we lost our brother, Fire Fighter Andrew Pontious, in the line of duty on June 14, 2024. As we approach this solemn anniversary, we reflect on his unwavering dedication, his courage, and the lasting impact he had on all of us.

Andrew served the people of Los Angeles County with honor for over 19 years, most recently from Fire Station 93 in the City of Palmdale. He was a committed firefighter, a trusted teammate, and a true example of selfless service.

As we prepare to honor his memory tomorrow, our hearts are with the Pontious family, his friends, and the entire Fire Station 93 crew. Though a year has passed, his legacy continues to live on in the stories we share, the lives he touched, and the brotherhood that remains forever changed by his absence.

Rest in peace, Brother Pontious. You are deeply missed, and never forgotten.

NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUED THIS WEEK AS WE FIGHT FOR A SUCCESSOR MOU 

Co-Chairs Gillotte and Carcioppolo, along with the Executive Board, continued negotiations this week with the County team led by Ron Wu and Department leadership.

Local 1014 has brought forward a solid proposal, including ideas that are either cost-neutral or would generate savings—potentially over $50 million annually—while also providing enhanced benefits to our members. We believe in cutting fair deals where everyone wins.

Unfortunately, the CEO has shown little interest in pursuing innovative solutions that would result in a mutually beneficial contract. Even the most basic issue—a fair cost-of-living increase—has been met with resistance, showing a continued lack of respect and value for our members.

We remain committed to fighting for a fair contract—and if we don’t see meaningful progress at the table this month, we may need to call on our members to take action.

We're committed to reaching a strong successor MOU. We will keep you updated as we continue negotiations this month. 

CPF and Local 1014 Leading the Fight Against Cancer in the Fire Service 

Every call, every shift, firefighters face constant exposure to carcinogens, which can take a serious toll on their health over time.

Local 1014 Director Dr. Derek Urwin, UCLA Assistant Adjunct Professor and LACoFD Fire Engineer, recently shared critical insight into the cancer risks we face in the fire service. From structure fires to vehicle incidents and overhauls, harmful toxins are everywhere — and exposure is not just possible, it’s inevitable.

That’s why documenting every exposure is vital.

A secure, detailed record can be the key to protecting your rights in a workers’ compensation illness claim, especially when facing long-term health impacts like cancer. Early reporting can also help you stay on top of medical monitoring, treatment, and support resources.

Take the time to protect yourself and your future. Visit CPF.org/firefightercancer to learn more about prevention, awareness, and proper exposure recording.

This is about safeguarding our health, our families, and the careers we’ve worked so hard to build.

Watch the full video from Dr. Urwin below.

Holiday Accrual & FLSA Compensation Issues – We Need to Hear from You

Please check your paystub, and if the following applies, contact the union. This applies to all personnel assigned to 40-hour positions, including those in camps, prevention, and other departments.

If you’ve been denied holiday accrual while on industrial injury leave (“I” status) or have had vested holiday time removed or reduced, please reach out to Local 1014. We’re also looking for anyone in any position who experienced a period of “I” status (whether 56-hour or 40-hour schedules) and did not accrue FLSA compensation or holiday time during industrial injury leave. This includes individuals from 2019 to the present.

One indicator that you may have experienced this issue is if you were placed on a 40-hour work week (5/8 schedule) while on injury leave. If this applies to you, please send an email to Vice President Tony Carcioppolo and Director Jason Green.

This has been an ongoing concern that we’re working to address, and we’re prepared to pursue legal action if necessary to ensure our members receive what they’ve rightfully earned. While the county maintains this doesn’t occur, we know that many of you have been affected by this issue.

We believe our members deserve fair treatment, especially considering the dedication you’ve shown and the physical toll this work has taken—including cancers, heart problems, orthopedic issues, PTSD, strokes, and other health challenges. We’d prefer the department simply correct this matter, but we’re committed to advocating for you regardless. Please send an email detailing how your holiday accrual has been affected by injury leave, including any correspondence you’ve had with payroll. 

Please send an email to Tcarcioppolo@local1014.org and Jgreen@local1014.org with:

• A brief description of how your holiday accrual or FLSA pay was affected

• Any correspondence with payroll

We are actively pursuing a resolution—and we’re here to stand with you every step of the way.

Celebrating Our Retirees: A Proud Local 1014 Tradition

This week, we proudly came together with family, friends, and colleagues to honor the service and sacrifice of our brothers and sisters at the 3rd Annual LACoFD Retirement Celebration.

As a sponsor of this special event, Los Angeles County Fire Fighters Local 1014 was honored to help recognize the careers of our retirees—members who dedicated their lives to protecting our communities and supporting one another through the toughest of calls.

To our retirees: While your time in the field may have come to an end, your place in the fire family remains permanent. Your legacy lives on in the work we continue to do, and we wish you a long, joyful, and healthy retirement.

This meaningful day was made possible through the partnership and support of Local 1014, the Los Angeles County Fire Museum, and the Association of Chiefs—a true reflection of unity across our department.

We are proud to stand behind those who built the foundation we continue to serve on. Congratulations, retirees—you've earned it.